Schrodinger's Cat

Help raise money for breast

cancer with Schrödinger's Cat

Admission is free April 19^th

7 to 11 Elk's Club, Epsom, NH

Free food, cash bar, raffles And lots of fun for a good cause

Join in the fight for Breast Cancer

WHERE: Elk's Club, Epsom NH

When: Saturday April 19^th

TIME: 7 to 11

ADMISSION IS FREE!

Live Entertainment by

Schrödinger's Cat

Cash bar, food, lots of raffles and fun

My name is Patricia Matthews

And I am walking in the

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

This is my Fifth year to participate in the walk

I am a two time breast cancer survivor

This is a chance for me to make a difference

I walk for my daughter, family, friends and

Survivors

This is 40 miles in two days

And I would walk 1000 miles

For a cure

Please help me raise my $1800.00

So I can walk this year

Log onto http://tinyurl.com/2h9nnd

This is an emotional journey for all the

Walkers, crew and staff that make this

Wonderful event happen.

Take care and remember early detection can save lives

It saved mine TWICE!

How would you react to be told you had cancer and you didn't? I am a two time breast cancer survivor. I was 32 years old when I went through a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and chemotherapy treatments and four years later was diagnosed again but received a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery February 1st without chemotherapy because the cancer was non-invasive. I was so happy to hear "we were able to get clean margins, you do not need any further treatment." Chemotherapy was so hard and dreaded the thought of the chance of going through it again. I went to see my oncologist two days ago and sat in his office, watched him open my chart and say "you had two positive lymph nodes." I said "NO" and began to cry and explain how I was told that the cancer did not spread and I did not need any further treatment. My oncologist turned my chart and said let's read this together and with tears in my eyes I started to read and nothing made sense to me and then I understood why. THEY WERE NOT MY RESULT'S! I couldn't believe it. The results were for someone with the same last name as me but different first name and date of birth. I was so upset to know the women with invasive breast cancer could have been given the wrong information. What if my pathology report was in her chart and she thinks she has non-invasive breast cancer? Maybe this is why we not longer have paper charts, who knows but it was an emotional draining mistake. I DO NOT have cancer any more and my surgeon did get clean margins. Can anyone give me any advice and has this happened to anyone before? I do not want this to happen to anyone else it was an awful experience.

Check out my personal page for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

It has been three weeks after going through my mastectomy and reconstructive surgery and I am feeling much better. I have been slowly returning to my routine but am still getting use to my new body part. I am sharing this with everyone with hopes of helping and give other women an understanding of what they might go through when dealing with a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. My breast is not as swollen and is beginning have a more defining shape. I was able to have my stitches and drain out last week. The stitches were easy but I will let you know the drain coming out was something I hope that I do not have to do again. I felt every inch of the two feet of tubing that was removed and after it was removed it burned for a minute and I could feel where the tube once was. It was not the most pleasant thing I have ever gone through and it is something I will never forget. Now that is behind me I see both my oncologist and surgeon next week to look everything over and see how I am healing. I think I am doing great but I do have a small amount of discomfort in one area that is slowly going away. Now I am going to be working on my benefit to raise money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I will be doing the walk in Boston again this year and have to get going on this NOW! If you would like to donate to a cause to help in the fight against breast cancer please visit my home page. Your contribution will help to support medical research into the possible causes of and cure for breast cancer, education and early detection programs, and clinical care and support services for women with breast cancer in communities across the country. There is a special focus on helping medically under served women, the poor, minorities, the elderly, or those with inadequate health insurance. Please visit my home page.

Take Care,

Patty

Join us Wednesday, February 20, 2008 between 9:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, for our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference on Sex, Intimacy, and Breast Cancer, where Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., and Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. will answer your questions about sexual side effects of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment, and what you can do about them.

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer. A Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Schover is also the author of numerous journal articles and book chapters. She has written patient education booklets published by the American Cancer Society--"Sexuality and Cancer: For the Woman with Cancer and Her Partner" and "Sexuality and Cancer: For the Man with Cancer and His Partner." She coauthored the textbook Sexuality and Chronic Illness: A Comprehensive Approach. Her research currently focuses on designing computer or web-based interventions to help cancer survivors with making decisions about fertility preservation, coping with fertility-related distress, and resolving sexual problems. Dr. Schover is also a member of breastcancer.org's Professional Advisory Boa
rd, which you can read about here:
http://www.breastcancer.org/about_us/pab/index.jsp

Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. After four years in a busy obstetrics and gynecology practice at Lankenau and Paoli Hospitals in Pennsylvania, Dr. Nakisbendi decided to open Nakisbendi & Associates, which provides comprehensive gynecological care throughout a women's life cycle in a compassionate and supportive manner. In addition to routine gynecology, Dr. Nakisbendi also addresses complex gynecologic issues. She has special interests in menopausal changes, adolescent gynecology, sexual dysfunction, recurrent vaginitis, and vulvar pain disorders. She is also director of The Nakisbendi Women's Center which offers acupuncture, psychotherapy and holistic health counseling for women looking for a holistic approach to health and wellness.

To join the conference on February 20, go to http://www.breastcancer.org any time between 9:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. EST* and then click on the "Join Conference" button. No special software is required. A transcript of the conference will be posted on the site by February 27, 2008.


Research News: January and February
----------------------
Here are just a few of the Research news articles we published in January and February:

Digital mammogram best for younger women: study
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/new_research/20080129b.jsp

Even small copay deters mammogram use - US study
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/new_research/20080123.jsp

Statins not seen linked to breast cancer risk
http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/environmental/new_research/20080124.jsp

Smoking ups risk with radiation for breast cancer
http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/environmental/new_research/20080122.jsp

I had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on Friday, February 1. I was in a lot of pain on Friday and it has slowly decreased everyday. I came home Sunday morning just in time to rest up before the Super Bowl. I fell asleep while the New England Patriots were winning then I woke upand was hoping I was still dreaming because of the score. My team the New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl what a sad moment but they are still a phenomenal team and is still a winner in my eyes! Each day after my surgery is getting better and I have friends picking Mary up to pick up to and from school. Chuck has been either making dinner or bringing dinner home. Mary who is my five year old daughter is going to be a nurse when she grows up because she tucks me in, asks me what she can do to help. She is not afraid of seeing stitches, drains and deals well with any part of the healing process. I would like to thank everyone for all the e-mails, phone calls, flowers and prayers they sent my way. It truly means a lot to me and helps me stay positive! My husband Chuck turned 46 and for the first time in our time together I did not have a present for him. I felt to awful but he looked at me and said I already have my present, "I have You". What a guy. I love him so much! Happy Birthday Chuckie...

Take Care Patty M.

Earlier this week I received an e-mail from a women who was scared and not completely knowing what to expect after her surgery. She was diagnosed in October with DCIS non invasive breast cancer. My experience starts in 2003 with my first mastectomy. I had a tram flap reconstruction with four lymph nodes removed. I was sent home 4 days with two drains and pain medication and a port. The nurses and staff were wonderful and if you do not understand anything ask or call and ask questions. It is more emotionally draining then anything to prepare for the operation. On February 1st I will be having my second mastectomy with a saline implant because you can only have the tram flap once and I was not a big fan of the free flap (it will leave you uneven) and I would had to travel to Boston. I will be in the hospital in a couple of days and sent home with two drains, pain medication and limited feeling in my left arm. They swelling and feeling will come back in my arm to a degree but I think it depends on the individual. A big help is walking your fingers up the wall to help increase mobility and circulation. It helped me a lot and my doctor made me start doing it with in the first week.

These are some of my experiences. Please send words of encouragement and any personal story's that you feel comfortable sharing to help breast cancer patients prepare for what the future might bring to them. I have learned over the years that people are willing to share their story's and I have learned a lot from other survivors which has better prepared me for my second time dealing with this disease.

Take Care Patty

How can a woman really prepare for losing a breast? Being diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time is emotionally draining. I am scheduled to have my mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on February 1st but my surgeons are trying to schedule the surgery earlier. I still am unsure of my treatment until my sentinel node and the rest of the cancerous breast tissue are tested. I am praying every day that all I need to have done will be the mastectomy. I have been snowmobiling and spending lots of time with my family to keep my mind off of everything. My husband Chuck is now a non-smoker! This is a huge accomplishment for chuck and I am very proud of him. This is truly the best gift my husband has ever given me. Tasha our new puppy is growing and bring us much joy. The cat is not too happy but hopefully will start to be more accepting but I am not holding my breath. I am very grateful for all the wonderful e-mails and phone calls I have received it means a lot to both me and my family. Let's all continue to pray for a cure!

There's a lot of sadness in Amberg, Germany this holiday season. A family buried their mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and grandmother and many said farewell to a dear friend. Traudl was a ray of sunshine, bursting with energy and optimism for all that knew her and the lives she touched were so enriched for it.

Traudl is my dear friend Stephanie's aunt. Here they are together:Traudl She joins her sister, Stephanie's mother Lotte - one of the most amazing people I've ever had the honor to know – and her beautiful mother with the angels. I'm sure there was a warm and loving Pongratz reunion that day. Here is Traudl with her two sisters and Stephanie:

Added Added to the searing pain of the loss, Traudl died of breast cancer, undiagnosed until it reached the terminal stage. It feels like one of those stories where you want to declare it avoidable, a death that could have been avoided. A family that could have been spared so much sadness and heartache.

This is why we have to keep working for a cure. Breast cancer knows no boundaries – not race, demographics, geography, religion - it just doesn't matter.

So tomorrow, as we all join to close out a calendar year and begin the new year of 2008, please take add Traudl and her family and loved ones to your thoughts and prayers.

In closing, a passage from the Little Prince which was chosen as part of Traudl's obituary. I've left it in German to preserve the magic of the presentation and sentiment:

"Wenn du bei Nacht den Himmel anschaust, wird es dir sein, als lachten all Sterne, weil ich auf einen von ihnen wohne, weil ich auf einem von ihnen lache. Du allein wirst Sterne haben, die lichen konnen. Und wenn du dich getrostet hast, wirst du froh sein, mich gekannt zu haben."

Antoine de Saint-Expurey, "Der Kleiner Prinz"

I was diagnosed with cancer again and needed something to keep my spirits up. I am surrounded by friends and family which keeps my mind off of having cancer again. I have a four year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Ginger. Ginger is a wonderful dog that brings me joy, kisses and companionship. I thought well maybe Ginger would like a sister. I found a breeder and told the breeder I was just diagnosed with cancer again and wanted to have another dog to keep my Ginger company when I can't. Puppy's are so sweet and wonderful. We named her Tasha Honey Matthews. I love her so much and she has brought so much joy to our family already. I know that both Ginger and Tasha will help me through my cancer diagnosis.

Please share your story's

It is never to early to join the Avon Walk for breast cancer. I asked my husband to pay for my registration fee's for a Christmas present. This year is going to be a more emotional year for my family. It is still sinking in that I have breast cancer again at age 37. I will continue to fight and look forward to the walk because it give me such a feeling of belonging. Got to the Avon Walk and register. It is a wonderful Christmas present for yourself or a friend that could join you. I hope to see you there!

2008 Events Houston April 12 - 13, 2008 Washington, DC May 3 - 4, 2008 Boston May 17 - 18, 2008 Chicago May 31 - June 1, 2008 Rocky Mountains June 28 - 29, 2008 San Francisco July 12 - 13, 2008 Los Angeles September 13 - 14, 2008 New York October 4 - 5, 2008 Charlotte October 25 - 26, 2008

Christmas is approaching quickly. One spirit of the holidays can be to provide the opportunity to give a life-changing gift. The Avon Foundation offers a Registry Tribute Fund which allows you to create your own Avon Breast Cancer Crusade or Speak Out Against Domestic Violence fund-raising web page.

This is a wonderful opportunity to have your loved ones make a donation in Lieu of receiving gifts, allows you to tell your story and why you are supporting the cause and increases the power of awareness. In the United State another person is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. I have been struck with breast cancer twice in my life and I am only 37. Breast cancer is a fight I will continue to battle with emotionally, physically and proactively to help find a cure for this horrible disease.

Give your friends and family the opportunity to change lives and contribute to a cause close to your heart. You can be proud to know that the money raised will make a difference and support the Avon Foundation's mission of improving the lives of women and their families by eradicating breast cancer and ending domestic violence.

Take Care Patty

I was told tonight that I have cancer again! This is the second time I heard those nasty words. I had a mammogram in June and was told everything was okay see you in a year. A week ago I had a lumpectomy to remove a mass on my left breast. My surgeon is going to schedule my mastectomy after the holidays. I am going to have my mastectomy and reconstructive surgery done at the same time again. I felt that because I had cancer once that I would never have to go through it again. I felt invincible. I guess I will be going through many different emotions but I think the second time around is harder for me. I know I will survive and am very lucky to have wonderful, caring, loving parents and friends who will hold my hand every step of the way. I want to thank everyone for supporting me and am very blessed to have you in my life. This is a picture of my beautiful daughter Mary who wanted a pink stripe in her hair to support and find a cure for breast cancer! She is one awesome kid.

Take Care, Patty Matthews

I was looking at different items that could help support breast cancer research. This wonderful breast cancer travel case in my opinion is so cute and convenient. This purchase will help in the efforts to end domestic violence and breast cancer. All of the net proceeds are grants through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and/or Speak Out Against Domestic Violence programs. This is a great gift to show your support whether or not you know someone affected by these causes or not. As a breast cancer survivor I am always looking at new ways to share breast cancer awareness through gifts. Please go to the Avon Foundation and see what other wonderful gifts they have to help in the support the breast cancer crusade and domestic violence programs. Take Care

My daughter Mary who is five wanted to get a pink stripe in her hair ever since she saw the blog about "Pink Hair, You Bet!" Seeing she is only five I did not want to get anything permanent in her hair but I thought it was so wonderful she wanted to show support for breast cancer. I spoke to my hair dresser and she said it would look cute and will fade but at five years of age is supporting a cause. Angie and Nichole at Scissors by Troy in Concord, New Hampshire cut Mary's hair and put a small pink stripe down the front of her head. Thursday was the best girls day. I was with my mom who was not keen on getting the pink stripe but thought Mary's pink stripe was cute. My daughter was only a year old when I was first diagnosed with cancer. I had a complete mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, followed by chemotherapy treatments. Little Mary, my mom Mary and I went to have our hair done on Thursday because on Friday November 30 I had a lumpectomy to remove a mass found on my left breast. I am so proud of my daughter and even at a young age she wants to love and support me. This is one of Mary's favorite singers, who also is sporting a wonderful pink stripe!